Weird Tenant Problems

[Beau Pearson]

I have a tenant problem question. Just a problem I’ve never encountered. I have a t tenant who has always paid, although mostly late. She keeps the place in decent shape. There are some repairs that need to be done however. Anyways, she told me today that she is leaving second week of February. I have a last month deposit and full month security deposit. Rent is 1200, so I have 2400 on deposit plus 200 non refundable pet security. She said I can keep her security deposit and pro rate the first two weeks of February, so 600 and then use the remaining 600 for repairs. She is month to month tenant. My thinking is this..January is perfectly fine. But February is kinda putting me in a perilous situation. Any suggestions?

[Jon Holdman]

In this situation I would insist on half a month's rent paid on Jan 1 and apply the "last month's rent" to the period Jan 15 - Feb 15.  If I did not receive payment, I'd start an eviction.  I would NOT apply the last month's rent to January because it is not her last month.